The Ultimate Kochi Escapade

One
of the criteria that most people have in choosing their next travel
destination is that of a country filled with rich history and culture.
One of the places that make it to everyone’s list is India. And one of
the places in India that has just that and more is Kochi – the largest
city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala.

For
centuries, Kochi has been a gathering place for merchants and tourists
from various nations with it being situated in the South West Coast
overlooking the Arabian Sea. Today, flights to Kochi,
India are readily available and it is a destination that offers history
and tradition woven together with modernization from beaches and
backwaters to tea plantations and spice estates. To help you plan your
Indian escapade, here is a list of some of the wonderful places and fun
activities you can visit and enjoy while in Kochi.

Considered
to be one of the most important places to visit in Kochi and popularly
known as Dutch Palace, Mattancherry Palace has the style and
architecture that resembles a typical traditional Kerala house. Get to
view a collection of frescos and paintings that cover the palace walls
and visit the beautiful temples of Bhagavati, Shiva and Krishna. Also,
take photos with the famous sprawling gardens and manicured lawns as
your background and have evidence that you have visited one of the best
tourist places in Kochi.

These iconic Chinese Fishing Nets are one of the most recognizable sights in Kochi and have been there since the 14th
century. Legends say that the Chinese Fishing Nets were a gift from the
famous Chinese King, Kublai Khan. Local fishermen still use it to this
day making Kochi the only other destination, other than China, to have
and use these fishing nets. You can visit Fort Kochi to get a glimpse of
these fishing nets. If you happen to pass by late in the afternoon,
head to the waterfront where the nets line shore and enjoy a seafood
meal cooked by one of the fishmongers as you watch the sun set.

Treat
your senses by spending time at Jew Town, a quaint aromatic area in the
heart of Mattancherry. It’s the center of the spice trade in Kochi
which is evident with the air being filled with the heady waft of
masala. Wander through the streets and lanes to take fabulous photos.
Explore the antique stores to get authentic finds. You can also spend a
minute or two in the Synagogue and marvel at the chandeliers, gold pulpt
and imported floor tiles. This Synagogue remains in use and is the
oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.

Enjoying
local cuisine is a part of every tourist’s to-do list. Kerala, in
particular, is renowned for its cuisine featuring delicious seafood and
coconut flavors. In Kochi, seafood has a pride of place in one’s daily
meal. People here take pleasure not only in what they eat, but also in
how they cook it. Learn from hosts of homestays or take quick lessons in
known cooking schools in the area. Just take note that the traditional
way of cooking in Kochi involves the use of clay pots on firewood – just
to add an additional smoky flavor.

Kathakali
is the traditional dance performance in Kerala. For a tourist, it is a
very unusual and ancient form of dance-drama. The movements of the dance
are subtle yet they tell a meaningful mythological story. The look of
the performers borders on grotesque with the signature red bloodshot
eyes. Performers are required to undergo intense training, including
hours of eye exercises when learning the art of Kathakali. Catch
performancesin the Cochin Cultural Center, Kerala Kathakali Center, or
Greenix Village.

When
you want to spend some alone time with yourself or with your loved
ones, go to Cherai Beach. Located on the north end of Vypeen Island,
this is a tranquil and pristine beach popular for its golden sand
beaches, palm trees and wide expanse of blue water. Be adventurous and
explore the surroundings, especially the backwater, fishing nets, thick
coconut groves and paddy fields. You might even be one of the lucky ones
who get to spot dancing dolphins. What makes this beach even better is
that it is accessible 24/7 – just remember to refrain from entering
water during high tides.